The underdog in that fight would be Islam - Henry Cejudo talks about potential Islam Makhachev vs. Khamzat Chimaev fight at welterweight
During a recent episode of The Triple C & Schmo Show, Henry Cejudo made a claim regarding Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev. Cejudo believes Makhachev would be the underdog if he were to fight Chimaev at welterweight.
Both fighters have been on a tear through their respective divisions since joining the promotion. The pair are fast approaching a title and could be just one win away from a shot at UFC gold.
After 'The Schmo' hyped up a potential fight between the Russian-born grapplers, Henry Cejudo gave his take on what could happen. 'Triple C' opined that their styles were similar, but the weight advantage would work in favor of the Chechen-born Swede:
"Chimaev's probably more experienced in wrestling and his top control is just about as good as Islam's. So, I think the underdog in that fight would actually be Islam, as good as he is. They're both friends of mine, but just for the simple fact that the size will make a difference when stylistically the matchups are like that. This would be a fight that would be very much neutralized, it would be a wrestling match, pretty much."
If Islam Makhachev were to win the lightweight strap, it shouldn't be a surprise to see him test the waters at 170 lb. After all, his bout with Bobby Green at UFC Vegas 49 was at a catchweight of 160 lb. Furthermore, an Islam Makhachev without the draining weight cut could be an even more fearsome proposition.
Watch Cejudo and 'The Schmo' talk about the potential matchup below (5:45):
Double-champ status for Islam Makhachev?
As he continues to dominate those who get in his way in the lightweight division, Islam Makhachev is still being left out of the title picture.
His first-round demolition of Bobby Green was thought to be enough to earn Makhachev a shot at the 155 lb title, but that hasn't been the case.
UFC president Dana White has suggested that the Dagestani star might have to fight Beneil Dariush next. White made the claim after Makhachev's team allegedly turned down a short-notice fight with Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 272.
Dana White claims that Islam Makhachev pulled out of a potential fight with Rafael Dos Anjos this weekend at #UFC272 😲
#UFC #MMA https://t.co/nWQpLAXmil
If he does move up in weight, Islam Makhachev can pick from a handful of top contenders who are all well-versed in grappling.
Current welterweight king Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington, and the aforementioned Khamzat Chimaev could all prove to be tough outings for the 30-year-old Russian.